Fantasy Fodder: Gearing up for Week 1 (maybe without Peyton)

Matt Vensel

The news that Peyton Manning will miss Week 1 with a neck injury -- and that his status going forward is unclear -- is good news for the Texans, Ravens, Patriots, Steelers and the other contenders in the AFC. It's bad news for fantasy football owners who were counting on Manning or other Colts to produce for their squad this year.

If you drafted Manning earlier in the summer under the assumption that the NFL’s current consecutive games played leader would be good to go for Week 1, I can’t really fault you for it. I’m no doctor, but I do know that it takes a lot to keep this guy off the field. He probably threw his wife passes on his honeymoon. You’re just going to have to play the waiting game until Manning is cleared. Hopefully you planned for this and have a solid backup.

As for his supporting cast, you can’t expect the same kind of production with Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins under center. Reggie Wayne’s value takes the biggest hit with his quarterback sidelined. Based on ESPN’s live draft results, Wayne is on average the 11th wide receiver of the board and the 36th pick overall. That’s the Peyton effect, though Wayne could wind up being a steal by season’s end if Manning can return to form.

A note about my fantasy football drafts: I’ve done four so far and somehow still have a fiancée, so I think I deserve props for that. In each of the leagues, I’ve drafted Matthew Stafford in the second half of the draft. Needless to say, I feel really strongly about this guy. He was a durable player in high school and college, and I’m banking -- literally in a couple of leagues -- that the past two years were a fluke.

Fantasy penthouse: Normally, I would list the top point producers at the offensive skill positions. Since the season hasn't started yet, I’ll instead link to this video of some guy shanking a penalty kick.

Reader question: It’s our first week in this regular format, so no questions. I’m here to help, though. Leave me a comment if you’re looking for answers. If it’s urgent, Tweet at me or shoot me an email.

Matt Vensel is a blogger and community coordinator for The Baltimore Sun. Send your fantasy questions and comments to Matt.Vensel@baltsun.com, @mattvensel on Twitter or leave them in the comments section below.